Royals Sign Injury-Plagued All-Star Pitcher to 2-Year Minor League Deal

John Means, a 2019 All-Star, has undergone Tommy John surgery twice and recently tore his Achilles, but the Royals are betting on his comeback.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals have signed veteran pitcher John Means to a two-year minor league contract, despite the fact that Means is expected to miss the entire 2026 season due to a recent Achilles tear. Means, an All-Star in 2019, has struggled with injuries in recent years, including two Tommy John surgeries. The Royals are taking a chance on Means, believing he can contribute once healthy.

Why it matters

The Royals are making a long-term investment in Means, who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. If he can recover from his latest setback, he could provide a major boost to the Royals' pitching staff in 2027 and beyond. This deal also highlights the Royals' commitment to developing their roster and taking calculated risks on talented players.

The details

Means, 29, has only eclipsed the 100-inning mark in a season twice in his career due to his injury history. He did not appear at all in 2025 and combined for just 10 starts across the three seasons prior. The Royals are signing him to a two-year minor league deal, which is rare for a player with Means' injury history. This allows the Royals to retain his rights while he rehabs in 2026, with the hope that he can contribute to their major league roster in 2027.

  • Means tore his Achilles in December 2025, which will likely sideline him for the entire 2026 season.
  • Means was an All-Star in 2019, his most productive season.

The players

John Means

A 29-year-old pitcher who has been an All-Star and shown flashes of brilliance, but has struggled with injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries and a recent Achilles tear.

Kansas City Royals

A Major League Baseball team that is making a long-term investment in Means, despite his injury history, as they aim to build a competitive roster for the future.

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